With the way the world is today, it’s hardly a surprise many people are forced to work their fingers to the bone just to get by.

You’ve likely heard plenty about those individuals who try to take advantage of the system; the small few who seem to glide by without working, somehow managing to stay afloat without working, benefitting from the kindness of others.

Yet for every ‘freeloader’, there are hundreds of honest, down-to-earth folk who strive to make ends meet by putting the hours in. Some such people may struggle financially, but they still show up, day in, day out, taking on as many hours as possible in a bid to pay their way in life.

If reports are to be believed, Bethany Provencher is one such individual. A hardworking, single mom with an 11-year-old son, a few years ago she packed up their things and moved to St. Charles, Illinois for a fresh start after 18 years in Miami.

LOS ANGELES, CA – NOVEMBER 23: Actress Jenny McCarthy and actor/singer Donnie Wahlberg arrive at the 2014 American Music Awards at Nokia Theatre L.A. Live on November 23, 2014 in Los Angeles, California. (Photo by Axelle/Bauer-Griffin/FilmMagic)

Bethany signed a lease for a new apartment in The Magic City, and was able to secure a job at a local IHOP thanks to her 25 years in the customer service industry.

Even so, she knew times were set to be tight for a while – by all accounts, she hadn’t been able to furnish her new apartment properly for lack of funds.

Then, one day close to the turn of the year, a celebrity couple strolled into the IHOP where Bethany was working and sat down in her section of the restaurant.

Bethany quickly recognized the man as none other than singer-songwriter Donnie Wahlberg, accompanied by his wife, Jenny McCarthy.

As per reports, Bethany could hardly contain her excitement. New Kids on the Block, the band Donnie was in, was one of the waitresses favorites, and she had always had a special fondness for Donnie himself.

As a result, Bethany was over the moon to be serving him. What she didn’t know, was just how much of an impact that day was set to have on her life.

When Donnie and his family had finished their lunch, the singer paid their $35.27 check, and left a message for Bethany to read on the receipt. Beside a hand-drawn smiley face, it read: “Thanks, Bethany, Happy New Year. 2020 Tip Challenge.”

Donnie reportedly asked Bethany not to open the receipt until he and his wife had left the IHOP. Bethany did as she was told, but was left absolutely stunned when she eventually unfolded the receipt to see that Donnie had left her and her coworkers a tip to the tune of $2,020!